Western Michigan University Professor and Fulbright specialist learns about PUCRS strategies
Photo: Thais Gonçalves
Dr Jim Butterfield, United States Cultural Exchange Program (Fulbright) specialist and professor of the Political Science Department of Western Michigan University, came to PUCRS to learn more about and discuss its actions of internationalization. As he leads the project Strategic Planning for Internationalization of Brazilian Higher Education Institutions, he makes a claim as to what it means to be internationalized as one of the challenges universities are faced. “It is much more than just academic mobility. Unfortunately today, these programs are not for everyone”, comments he.
Butterfield was welcomed by the Dean of International Cooperation, Dr Heloísa Delgado. He had the chance to learn about the strategies of internationalization currently in effect at PUCRS, the courses that are taught in English, the international cooperation research and the encouragement to discussions of global issues in several academic areas, as well as student and faculty mobility. Butterfield has visits scheduled to other institutions from Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná.
Focus on institutional positioning
In his view, the USA is working hard to internationalize the curricula of its universities. Although most faculty is in favor of it, many still believe that it boils down to an academic mobility program.
As a solution, he claims that universities must think about what they want in the long-run and what image they want to project in this regard. “Full-scale internationalization urges universities to invite the whole community to contribute rather than just the international offices or closed groups of faculty and students. People from any areas, who are tempted to think they are not involved with internationalization at all, need to understand at least the basics of cross-cultural communication”, says he.
Although students have different careers, they are all impacted by globalization. Higher education is, then, very important to prepare them for the world. In his view, internationalization at home addresses issues that cross over the borders of a country and have a direct impact on professionals in the job market.
About Jim Butterfield
Butterfield is a Political Science and Global and International Studies Professor at Western Michigan University. He has carried out research intensively both in his country and all over the world. He is proficient in Russian, having traveled all over Russia, including cities that foreigners were not allowed to go. He has served as visiting professors in institutions from South African, Kazakhstan, Vietnam, China and Russia. He has served as president of the International Education Council twice and received the award for global involvement of the School of Arts and Sciences, of the University he teaches.
